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When making a checklist for handicap home modifications, consider the principle of universal design. This philosophy centers around the creation of environments accessible and usable to all people, to the greatest possible extent, regardless of abilities or age. While different disabilities call for different modifications and you'll ultimately need to have an in-depth discussion of individualized modifications with your contractor and occupational or physical therapist, a general breakdown of common customizations helps ensure a thorough execution of universal design principles.

Ensuring Accessibility

Accessibility is key to a universally designed home. For a wheelchair-friendly space, widened doorways -- at least 36 inches wide, as a general rule of thumb -- and ramped surfaces in place of steps make the home much more accessible, as do reinforced grab bars. Easy-open or automatic doors with automatic closures aid those with physical disabilities, as do lever-style door handles. Similarly, door thresholds of 1/4 inch or less bolster accessibility, and slide-bolt locks make for smooth security solutions. Loop-type handles often allow those with disabilities easier access to cabinets, while switches and controls require low mounting for those in wheelchairs.

Mods for Living Areas

Throughout the home, but particularly in high-traffic areas such as living rooms, dens and bedrooms, clear and wide floor spaces make for greater maneuverability for those with wheelchairs or other assisitive devices. To accommodate room-to-room travel, consider removing doors between the thresholds of high-traffic rooms. Sturdy, textured rugs and mats secured to the floor heighten stability, while smoke detectors and other alarm systems with visual cues cater to the hearing impaired. In the bedroom, rope or trapeze attachments secured via ceiling-mounted lag bolts help disabled people move while resting in bed.

Universally Utilitarian

In the kitchen and bathroom, the more utilitarian rooms of the home, fixtures call for lots of customization. Lowered counter tops with knee spaces underneath allow wheelchair access. Also in the kitchen, low-oriented pull-out shelves and rotating lazy Susans bolster accessibility, while clearly marked, front-mounted stove and oven controls increase safety. In the bathroom, grab bars and bath tub or shower seating ensure stability while bathing. Utilitarian modifications such as garbage disposals and handheld showerheads offer additional convenience and accessibility.

Taking Modifications Outdoors

Handicap modifications don't end with the inside of the home. To bolster comfort, safety and accessibility out of doors, portable ramps -- such as modular aluminum models -- with slopes of no greater than 1:12 assist those in wheelchairs, while any person with mobility issues benefits from high-contrast, nonslip color strips on ramps, walkways or steps. Likewise, handrails installed on exterior stairways or ramps boost overall safety. Motion-detecting lights aid those with low vision or low mobility as they make their way indoors at night. If your home plans include parking areas, consider moving them as close as possible to the main entrance. On the same note, automatic garage door openers make for a smoother transition from outdoor to indoor spaces.

About the Author

Dan Ketchum has been a professional writer since 2003, with work appearing online and offline in Word Riot, Bazooka Magazine, Anemone Sidecar, Trails and more. Dan's diverse professional background spans from costume design and screenwriting to mixology, manual labor and video game industry publicity.